Whistler Trip

8 Day Exploring Vancouver Island and Whistler

  • Independent travel
  • 8 days
  • Victoria, BC to Vancouver
  • All year
  • Tour code 8VIW

Whistler Trip

On this comprehensive self-drive, you will experience what they call 'island life'.

Trip highlights

  • Choice of activity in Tofino (coastal bear watching excursion, whale watching excursion OR a sea kayaking and rainforest tour)
  • Wildlife Zodiac morning tour
  • PEAK 2 PEAK gondola ride
  • Choice of activity in Whistler (Ziptrek Ecotour, ATV tour, white water rafting, horseback-riding OR scenic valley bike tour)
  • Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
  • Britannia Mine Museum

Day by day

  1. Day 1 Victoria - Nanaimo (1½ hours)

    Follow Highway 1 and travel through the Cowichan Valley, which is populated with wineries, farms, and artisan markets. In Duncan, visit carvers at work at the Quw'utsun' Cultural Center and see the world's widest totem pole.

    Overnight: Nanaimo
  2. Day 2 Nanaimo - Tofino (3 hours)

    On this route you pass through towering old growth forests of Catherdral Cove, majestic Sutton Pass and through the Pacific Rim National Reserve.

    Overnight: Tofino
  3. Day 3 Tofino Activity

    The stunning beauty and ecological diversity of Tofino's location in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the source of all activities. Choose between a coastal bear watching excursion, whale-watching excursion OR a sea kayaking and rainforest tour.

    Overnight: Tofino
  4. Day 4 Tofino - Campbell River (3½ hours)

    Return to Parksville, where you continue north to Campbell River. Stroll along the Discovery Pier and you might see salmon, eagles or whales.

    Overnight: Campbell River
  5. Day 5 Wildlife Zodiac Morning Tour

    Guided by a trained naturalist you explore the Discovery Islands and see local BC wildlife thriving in their natural habitat.

    Overnight: Campbell River
  6. Day 6 Campbell River - Nanaimo - Whistler (5 hours)

    Return to Nanaimo, to connect with the BC car ferry crossing to Horseshoe Bay on the mainland (payable locally), then travel the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler.

    Overnight: Whistler
  7. Day 7 Whistler Activity

    Choose between a ziptrek ecotour, ATV tour, white-water rafting, horse-back riding or scenic valley bike tour. Also included is a Peak 2 Peak gondola ride and admission to the Squamish Lil'wat cultural centre.

    Overnight: Whistler
  8. Day 8 Whistler - Vancouver (2 hours)

    Travel the Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver.

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What's included

  • 7 nights of accommodation
  • 8 day mid-size car rental including unlimited kilometres (special conditions apply)
  • Sightseeing and attractions as listed

What's not included

  • Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
  • Taxes as applicable
  • Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
  • Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
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